It is with deep and heavy sadness that we announce the death of Michael "Mike" Lynn Phillips who passed on December 5 at home surrounded by his loved ones. Mike was born September 30, 1939 in Merced. He lived in Planada his entire life and was proud to be a 3rd generation resident. Mike owned and operated Phillips Custom Hay from 1969 until his death. He was active, during his life, serving as a Planada volunteer fireman, belonging to the Merced Elks Lodge and holding a lifetime membership to the National Rifle Association. In his youth, he was an award-winning rifle marksman. Mike enjoyed hunting and fishing in California, Colorado, and Alaska, which provided him with an excuse to meet new and old friends, have a drink or two, and tell his stories. He had his own "spin" on local folklore and was always happy to make someone smile with a comical quip or joke. His penchant for expressing humor was a gift that he passed on to his children and grandchildren.
Mike married his junior high sweetheart, Alice Stanton Phillips at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Le Grand on October 18, 1959. They began their married life in Planada and proudly remained there for 56 years surrounded by a community of lifelong friends. He served his parish as an altar boy at Sacred Heart Church in Planada, attended and graduated from Planada Elementary School and Le Grand High School.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Phillips and Marjorie Covey Phillips, his brother, Robert (Robin) Phillips, and grandson, Shawn Phillips. He is survived by his wife, Alice Stanton Phillips, their children, Tina Spurlock (Dennis) of Le Grand, Michael Phillips (Cyndi) of Merced and Patrick Phillips of Anchorage. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Brienne Migliazzo (Ben), Michael Phillips, Nicholas Brocchini, Allysa Phillips, Matthew Phillips, Marshall Phillips, Marinna (Steven) Wolff, Tristan Phillips, Tyler Phillips and Connor Spurlock. He is also survived by four great grandchildren, Landon Wolff, Mikenzie Wolff, Luca Migliazzo, and baby Migliazzo arriving in July.
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